Introduction
The GEPRC DarkStar16 is a compact and agile TinyWhoop quadcopter designed for flexible FPV flying. It features a 1.6-inch frame and is available in two main versions: the O4 Air Unit Pro for a high-definition FPV experience and the WTFPV DIY version for custom builds. This manual provides essential information for safe and effective operation, covering assembly, flight, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Note: Contents vary by selected WTFPV or O4 Pro specifications. The WTFPV version does not come with any VTX or camera.
Коопсуздук маалыматы
- Эскертүү: 36 айга чейинки балдар үчүн ылайыктуу эмес.
- This product does not include any batteries. Ensure you use compatible and safe batteries.
- Always operate the quadcopter in open, unobstructed areas, away from people, animals, and property.
- Maintain visual line of sight with the quadcopter at all times during flight.
- Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
- Манжаларды жана кенен кийимдерди айлануучу пропеллерлерден алыс кармаңыз.
- Handle batteries with care. Do not overcharge, over-discharge, or damage batteries.
- In case of a crash, immediately disconnect the battery.
Продукт өзгөчөлүктөрү
- Компакт алкак: 1.6-inch frame crafted with carbon fiber and injection molding, weighing a mere 86g (O4 Pro version) for easy portability and agile flight in tight spaces.
- 4K Ultra HD Imaging (O4 Pro Version): Equipped with DJI O4 Air Unit Pro VTX, featuring a 1/1.3-inch image sensor, capturing crystal-clear footage at 1080p/100fps with ultra-low latency (15ms) and a max transmission bitrate of 60Mbps.
- 4-Point Dampсистемасы: Integrated system effectively reduces frame vibration and 'jello effect' in footage, ensuring stable and clear aerial imaging.
- Lightweight Control, Strong Power: Features compact yet powerful 1003 14800KV motors for a nimble TinyWhoop flight feel.
- Күчтүү аткаруу: TAKER F411-12A-E 1-2S AIO flight controller with integrated ELRS 2.4G receiver (in ELRS versions) saves weight by eliminating the need for an extra receiver.
- Quick-Release Modular Design: The VTX module can be detached by removing just 6 screws, simplifying servicing and maintenance.
- Fixed XT30 Power Connector: Ensures simple and secure battery connection.
- Dual Version Options: Choose between the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro version for a new HD FPV experience or the WTFPV version for flexible custom builds (without VTX/camera).
Image: Key imaging and performance features of the DarkStar16 O4 Pro.
Image: Design highlights including handheld size, VTX, power connector, damping, frame, and modular design.
Image: Comparison of the two main versions: O4 Pro (with VTX) and WTFPV (without VTX).
Пакеттин мазмуну
Please check the contents of your package against the list below for your specific version:
DarkStar16 O4 Pro Version
Image: Detailed product list for the DarkStar16 O4 Pro version.
- 1 x DarkStar16 O4 Pro Drone
- 1 x Protective Frame
- 1 x Gemfan 1636-4 Props (2CW + 2CCW)
- 1 x Camera Protector
- 1 x Top Plate
- 2 x IPEX1 5.8G Copper Tube Antenna
- 1 x Receiver Mount
- 1 x M2 Hex Mini Screwdriver
- 1 х брелок
- 1 x SIM Card Pin
- 1 x Spare screw pack (includes M2*6mm Round Head Hex Screw x6, M2*6mm Flat Head Hex Screw x2, M2*14mm Flat Head Hex Screw x2, M1.4*4mm Round Head Torx Screw x6, M2*3.5mm Pan Head Screw x4, M2*5mm Pan Head Screw x4)
- 1 x Silicone Damping Ball (x2)
- 1 x M2 Metal Hex Nut (x4)
- 1 x M2 Nylon Hex Nut (x2)
- 1 x L-shaped Screwdriver 1.5mm
DarkStar16 O4 Pro WTFPV Version
Image: Detailed product list for the DarkStar16 O4 Pro WTFPV version.
- 1 x GEPRC DarkStar16 O4 Pro WTFPV Drone
- 1 x Protective Frame
- 1 x Gemfan 1636-4 Props (2CW + 2CCW)
- 1 x Camera Protector
- 1 x Top Plate
- 4 x IPEX1 5.8G Copper Tube Antenna
- 1 x Receiver Mount
- 1 x O4 Pro Coaxial Cable 6cm
- 1 x M2 Hex Mini Screwdriver
- 1 х брелок
- 1 x SIM Card Pin
- 1 x Spare screw pack (includes M2*6mm Flat Head Hex Screw x2, M2*14mm Flat Head Hex Screw x2, M1.4*4mm Round Head Torx Screw x6, M2*6mm Round Head Hex Screw x2, M2*3.5mm Pan Head Screw x2, M2*5mm Pan Head Screw x2)
- 1 x Silicone Damping Ball (x2)
- 1 x M2 Metal Hex Nut (x4)
- 1 x M2 Nylon Hex Nut (x2)
- 1 x L-shaped Screwdriver 1.5mm
Жайгашуу
- Кутудан чыгаруу жана текшерүү: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect the quadcopter and all accessories for any signs of damage.
- Батарея туташуу: Connect a fully charged LiHV 2S 530mAh battery to the fixed XT30 power connector. Ensure the connection is secure.
- Пропеллерди орнотуу: Install the Gemfan 1636-4 propellers. Pay close attention to the rotation direction (CW/CCW) and ensure they are mounted on the correct motors as indicated in the flight controller documentation or motor markings.
- Receiver Binding (ELRS 2.4G Version): If you have the ELRS 2.4G version, you will need to bind the onboard receiver to your compatible ELRS transmitter. Refer to your ELRS transmitter's manual for specific binding procedures.
- External Receiver Installation (WTFPV Version): If you have the WTFPV version and plan to use an external receiver, soldering will be required to connect it to the flight controller. Consult the flight controller's wiring diagram for correct connections.
- VTX and Camera Installation (WTFPV Version): For the WTFPV version, install your preferred VTX and camera. The mounting holes are 25.5x25.5mm (M2). Ensure compatibility and proper wiring. Note that using non-DJI O4 Air Unit Pro components with the O4 Pro version may affect performance.
- Flight Controller Configuration: For advanced users, PID settings may need adjustment based on flying style and environment. The manufacturer suggests Page 1 PID settings for the O4 Pro version (better outdoors) and Page 2 default PIDs for the WTFPV version (better indoors).
Иштөө нускамалары
- Күйгүзүү: Connect the battery. The quadcopter will perform a self-check.
- Өткөргүч туташуу: Ensure your remote control is powered on and successfully connected/bound to the quadcopter's receiver.
- Arming the Motors: Follow your flight controller's specific arming sequence (usually a stick combination on your transmitter). The propellers will start spinning at a low idle speed.
- Учуп чыгуу: Gently increase throttle to lift off. The DarkStar16 is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Учууну башкаруу: Use your remote control to maneuver the quadcopter. The DarkStar16 supports Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert operator skill levels.
- Video Transmission (O4 Pro Version): If using the O4 Pro version, ensure your DJI Goggles are powered on and connected to receive the HD video feed.
- Конуу: Reduce throttle slowly to land. Once on the ground, disarm the motors immediately.
- Өчүрүү: Disconnect the battery from the quadcopter after each flight.
Flight Performance Notes:
- Учуу убактысы: Approximately 4 minutes with a LiHV 2S 530mAh battery during low-speed indoor cruising. Actual flight time will vary significantly with aggressive flying and environmental conditions.
- Алыскы аралык: The quadcopter has a remote control range of up to 1000 meters.
- Video Latency (O4 Pro): Expect low latency: 15ms with DJI Goggles 3 (Race Mode), 22ms with DJI Goggles N3 (Race Mode), and 30ms with DJI Goggles 2 / Integra.
Техникалык тейлөө
- Учуудан кийинки текшерүү: After each flight, visually inspect the quadcopter for any damage, especially to the frame, propellers, and motors.
- Пропеллерди алмаштыруу: Check propellers for cracks, bends, or nicks. Damaged propellers can cause instability and reduce flight performance. Replace them immediately if damaged.
- Тазалоо: Keep the drone clean from dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air.
- Бурама тыгыздыгы: Periodically check all screws, especially those securing the motors, frame, and VTX module. Tighten any loose screws.
- VTX Module Maintenance: The quick-release design allows for easy detachment of the VTX module (by removing 6 screws) for cleaning or servicing.
- Батареяга кам көрүү: Follow the battery manufacturer's guidelines for charging, discharging, and storage. Store batteries in a cool, dry place and never leave them unattended while charging.
- Программалык камсыздоонун жаңыртуулары: Check the GEPRC official website regularly for any available firmware updates for the flight controller or VTX. Updating firmware can improve performance and add new features.
Проблемаларды чечүү
- Quadcopter does not power on:
- Батарея толугу менен заряддалганын текшериңиз.
- Check the XT30 power connector for a secure connection.
- Inspect battery wires and connectors for damage.
- No video feed (O4 Pro Version):
- Verify that the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro VTX and camera are properly connected and powered.
- Ensure your FPV goggles are powered on and correctly tuned to the VTX frequency.
- Unstable flight or 'jello effect' in footage:
- Check all propellers for damage; even minor damage can cause instability.
- Ensure the 4-point damping balls are correctly installed and not damaged.
- Consider adjusting PID settings in the flight controller software.
- Quadcopter not responding to remote control:
- Confirm your remote control is powered on and has sufficient battery.
- Re-bind the receiver to your transmitter.
- Check for any physical obstructions or interference between the transmitter and receiver.
- Кыска учуу убактысы:
- Battery may be degraded or not fully charged.
- Aggressive flying consumes more power; try a more gentle flight style.
- Ensure you are using the recommended LiHV 2S 530mAh battery.
Техникалык шарттар
Image: Detailed specifications comparison between the O4 Pro and WTFPV versions.
| Өзгөчөлүк | DarkStar16 O4 Pro | DarkStar16 O4 Pro WTFPV |
|---|---|---|
| Модел | DarkStar16 O4 Pro | DarkStar16 O4 Pro WTFPV |
| Frame | GEP-DS16 | GEP-DS16 |
| Wheelbase | 91мм | 91мм |
| FC System | TAKER F411-12A-E 1-2S AIO | TAKER F411-12A-E 1-2S AIO |
| MCU | STM32F411CEU6 | STM32F411CEU6 |
| Гиро | ICM42688-P | ICM42688-P |
| OSD | Betaflight OSD w/AT7456E chip | Betaflight OSD w/AT7456E chip |
| ESC | Bluejay 8Bit 12A | Bluejay 8Bit 12A |
| VTX | DJI O4 Air Unit Pro VTX Module | / (Not included) |
| Камера | DJI O4 Air Unit Pro Camera Module | / (Not included) |
| Антенна | 5.8G UFL Antenna | 5.8G UFL Antenna |
| Мотор | SPEEDX2 1003 14800KV | SPEEDX2 1003 14800KV |
| Пропеллер | Gemfan 1636-4 | Gemfan 1636-4 |
| Салмагы | 86г±5г | 56г±5г |
| Алуучу | PNP / ELRS 2.4G | PNP / ELRS 2.4G |
| Сунушталган батарея | LiHV 2S 530mAh | LiHV 2S 530mAh |
| Учуу убактысы | 4 min (low-speed indoor cruising) | 4 min (low-speed indoor cruising) |
| Remote Distance | 1000 метр | 1000 метр |
| Заряддоо убактысы | 30 minutes (for battery) | 30 minutes (for battery) |
| Өлчөмдөр | 1.6 inch (frame size) | 1.6 inch (frame size) |
| Материал | Carbon Fiber, Plastic, Metal | Carbon Fiber, Plastic, Metal |
| Ассамблеянын абалы | Барууга даяр | Барууга даяр |
| Оператордун чеберчилик деңгээли | Башталгыч, Орто, Эксперт | Башталгыч, Орто, Эксперт |
| Ички/тышкы колдонуу | Ички-тышкы | Ички-тышкы |
| Башкаруу каналдары | 8 КАНАЛ | 8 КАНАЛ |
| Controller Mode | MODE1, MODE2 | MODE1, MODE2 |
Колдонуучу сунуштар
- If you opt for the ELRS 2.4G version, it comes with an onboard AIO receiver. If you prefer to use an external receiver, be aware that soldering will be required for installation.
- The DarkStar16 O4 Pro version is specifically designed to support the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro (with camera). Using other VTX or camera models may lead to compatibility issues or affect performance. The mounting holes are 25.5x25.5mm (M2).
- For optimal flight characteristics, consider the recommended PID settings: Page 1 PID settings are generally better for outdoor flying with the O4 Pro version, while Page 2 default PIDs are tuned for better indoor performance with the WTFPV version.
- The stated flight time of 4 minutes is based on low-speed indoor cruising with a LiHV 2S 530mAh battery. Aggressive maneuvers or flying in windy conditions will significantly reduce actual flight duration.
- Алдын алаtage of the quick-release design for the VTX module. Removing just 6 screws allows for easier access for maintenance, cleaning, or potential upgrades.
- When choosing between versions, the O4 Pro offers a complete, integrated HD FPV experience, while the WTFPV version provides greater flexibility for users who prefer to customize their VTX and camera setup.
Кепилдик жана колдоо
The GEPRC DarkStar16 comes with a 3-month warranty from the date of purchase. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact GEPRC customer service through their official website or your point of purchase. Please have your product model and purchase details ready when contacting support.





